The career of some Hollywood’s The actors and defenders of ascent and veterans were honored before the Oscars For their work and prominent contributions to the industry.
For more than a decade, Lexus and Uptown Magazine have been associated to present the annual honors of Lexus Uptown Hollywood, the only Oscars’ Awards event to celebrate the contributions of black creatives to the entertainment industry, both in front of the camera. This year, they made light of four black men who have remodeled the film and television landscape through their storytelling, representation and cultural legacy.
On February 26, more than 200 celebrities, Hollywood executives and privileged industry, met at the Sunset Room Hollywood to celebrate honors: Blair underwoodCliff “Method Man” Smith, Omar J. Dorsey Jr. and J. Alphonse Nicholson.
Attendees spoke of people, specifically black men, receiving their flowers as they could embrace love.
“ Literally, the only time black men get flowers, we are in our funeral, so we can achieve them … As we really do. We only get flowers during our funeral or if you are sick, ” told Blavity the producer, actor and winner of Emmy Ron G. on the black carpet. ` Instead of celebrating it.
“Listen, I’ll tell you. It means something to get the flowers while you are still alive, right? Many times people say, “Aww man, I love your job” or whatever, but they really do not say anything, “said Dorsey Jr.” And I have only lost one of my best friends, Erica Ash. Let rest in peace. She was my dancing date. We went to the same school in the County of Dekalb in high school, the School of Perkalb’s performing arts. … While she was here.
To begin the joyful night that emphasized black excellence, singer Sheléa Frazier, a special guest at several stops on Stevie Wonder’s final tour, performed “Change the World” by Eric Clapton.
“I was really honest and humiliated because there are so many people who could choose, but they thought and I am grateful. Hopefully, you know, create a moment for everyone to hear this energy in the room,” said the grammy nominated singer about being selected as a night opening act.
The event was like a meeting for all attendees, including honors, as they were happy to be in a full room not only of their peers within their community, but also to be defended and reaffirmed about the value they are for the entertainment industry. The camaraderie and the brotherhood among the prize recipients were noticeable during each of their acceptance speeches.
Nicholson, who won the Icon Rising Award for his roles at P-Valley, Road Albany, They cloned Tyrone, Only mercy, Made Self: Inspired by Mrs. CJ Walker’s life Moreover, he was the first at night to thank his fellow winners for having raised him along the way.
“All these tables here and all honor me here tonight, it was a time when, you know, I just approached you gentlemen and said, ‘Hey, I love your job. I thank you,’ ‘he said during the acceptance speech. “You’ve all come to see me on Broadway. Or Blair and I spend six months, either in Toronto or New York, working The work of a soldierthen Madam Cj Walker. Meth, to share this room with you, brother. Man, shouts the wu (-catclan of cat). “”
The Empowerment in Entertainment Award was on Dorsey Jr., who has been performing and currently starring Max’s. Bookcase.
He first expressed how Underwood has affected him. “Blair, I remember seeing you when I was 12 years old, 13 years old. Friday night, man, looking The Law. Seeing this man who was in, this guy who has so much interface, this young uncle. And I was like: “Man, one day I want to be like that cat man,” do you know? And I remember I really watched you when I saw Cause only. (I was like), “Damn, this mother **** r Ain’t s ** t,” she joked.
It Queen sugar The actor discussed his memories of Nicholson and Method Man.
“J. Alphonse, you meet my little brother, man. I love you, man. I remember when we went down to Atlanta (i) you started doing P-Valley. In the first year, no one really knew who you were. You know, I was removing, “Hey, it’s my city. Slide -you, appear -you. About a year or two later, everyone presses me the way to hang with Murda. So you know, that’s how life is,” said Doversy. “Me, Meth! Man, I forgot to say, brother. I, Me and Dorian used to mount -(in) 1993, this is a real conversation. I remember when “Protect Ya Neck” came out. That single came out, right? And we went on horseback in that car of Sh *** and remember that we only listened to it, and then when it turned, it was the Meth. I am listening, it was like, “What is this?” I have never heard it. I knew it was a hard song, but I heard it. I was like, “I, this is my favorite rapper in the world!”
MAN Method received the Vanguard Award. He spoke a moving movement that reminded everyone that the performance is not just about making art, explaining all the words “came from their hearts and Chatgpt.”
“Your work talks about the power of storytelling and the importance of representation. We are not just doing art. We are changing perceptions, breaking barriers and amplifying voices that have been silenced too long, “the rapper said.” As we meet to pay tribute to these hits, let’s also remember that the struggle is far from over. Our journey to equality, justice and the opportunity continues. The work we do, both on the screen and outside, has the potential to influence the change in deep ways. Our debt of thanks to the talent and the creators who have been part of this trip with me. “
This year, Underwood is commemorating 40 years in the industry. His filling career includes multiple appearances on popular and timeless television programs Sexy money gross, In treatment, The Law, Leave, When they see us, Made Self: Inspired by Mrs. CJ Walker’s life, Family meeting of Madeaand The work of a soldier.
“I feel honored, man. Phonse, man, has been incredible. We did it South Bay in 2019, and to see you go to Broadway and P-Valley And just see that your career exploits the last four or five years. It is an incredible thing and so well deserved, brother. It’s nice to see it, “he said. “Man method! Come on, man. How can I be down? I just want to be as fresh as you grow up. Nah, is an honor, brother. It has been fan forever and one day. Omar, man. You mentioned something. Only congratulations on all your success in the work you are doing. This is my 40th year in business. “”
“This is a huge honorary time,” he added. “When I look at your work, Phony. I look at your work, Method Man. The transition you made from the dominion of music to the actor. I look at your work, Omar, man. The beautiful tapestry of black excellence takes into account. And I only have the honor of sharing the stage with you tonight and to be in the same conversation with your name. So God bless you. “
